Monday, February 25, 2013

Dreaming of the Mountains

The cabin fever is setting in. I look out the window and all I see is drifts of knee deep snow and wishing I were hiking in the mountains, enjoying the fresh Colorado air and sunshine.Not that I am complaining about the snow, we need the water, but about being stuck inside and looking forward to milder weather. I love walking in God's country. The scent of wildflowers, pine and earth. The quiet and peacefulness, and the company of my husband, or whomever has decided to hike the mountainside with me.We put the harness on Branch, (our dog) and her bouncing around the house in eager anticipation. Following us from room to room, telling us in her own way, 'Hurry up', and running to the car and jumping in the back seat knowing where we're going. Once there, she leaps out of the car and her nose finds the nearest grasses. On the trail, she tries to meet every other dog that is hiking with their master's, too. It is nice that, not only do people take advantage of the hundreds of miles of paths we have in the state, but a lot of them own dogs. She is in doggy heaven!We recently purchased a pop-up camper, a used one. They are expensive, but our landlord gave us a great deal. That's what else I am trying to be patient about, going camping. I do feel blessed living in a state where you drive a couple of hours and you feel like you are on vacation far, far, away. We have decided we don't relish sleeping on the ground in tents anymore. I am really looking forward to packing up all the provisions and finding the perfect spot. I love sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows, hiking in the area, fishing, and most of all, staring up at the stars at night. I breathe in the crisp mountain air in the morning, and love to sit outside drinking my morning coffee, and then cook some bacon and eggs. For some reason it tastes better when you're camping. I know it's only a few months away, but I anticipate it all the same. Do you like going camping, or even hiking? Are you in an area where you have mountains to do so?

I hope you do, because to me, there is nothing more relaxing and healing than enjoying nature and what gifts we have been given. To appreciate what life has to offer. Have a great week everyone! See you on Thursday!Love, Lisa

8 comments:

As I read your post, your dog Branch reminded me of my friend's Apple Chihuahua, Pepito. As soon as he spotted you with keys in hand, he would start running around the house in anticipation. He loved riding in the car. As soon as he got in , he would take over, and good luck to you. We used to enjoy him so much. Sadly, my friend's wife passed away two years ago, and Pepito, who was real close to her, became so ill, that he had to be put down. Of course, my friend went out and got himself another lively puppy, as he missed his little companion. The new puppy however, does not seem to like riding in cars. Maybe he'll change.

I also enjoyed the way you described your adventure. Being from the city, I don't really enjoy camping that much. What I really like to do is to get up early in the AM, drive to other parts of the state, and visit, and explore, quaint little towns. They have a lot of history behind them. That's my idea of a weekend get away. Blessings.

I enjoyed reading your story. I could picture the events as they were happening, and felt inspired by your joy and happiness. Luckily, I have a dog that enjoys riding in the car as well. Buttercup is a Papillion/Chihuahua mix who sees herself as the greatest of beasts. She has boundless energy while running from window to window leaving a trail of long white hair as she goes and makes her presence known to all passersby. She is equally in charge on our walks, barking while wagging her tail at any other animal within fifty yards. She is a constant source of happy grins and chuckles.

I live in Florida, so the best we have to offer as far as mountains are small hills. We're so close to sea level that as soon as you enter the state you can hear the ocean. There are an abundance of trails in Central Florida, most of which are cloistered in tall, brooding cypress trees and dangling spanish moss. They offer a nice walk, however because of the gator hazard, it's unwise to leave the center of the paths and walkways. Perhaps a reality show could be created about gator-dodging while dog-walking in Florida lol.

Funny, both you and Johnny talked about a chihuahua. Branch is a yellow lab mix and she is 11 yrs old, so to see what little excitement she can muster is always a treat! Her tale wags 24/7, because that's what labs do, but to actually see her dancing is quite the joy! Fla is a ways from any mountains, but if you ever get the chance to come to Colorado, I do recommend it and especially the camping!

How far are the mountains from you Arlee? You should try to get out of the city once in a while, especially LA. Hey, I started a new group on LinkedIn called Serious about Writing. I hope you join in otherwise I will miss you. I am done dealing with curt Edna so I won't be back on that page. Jeffrey said he is leaving the page also. I hope to see you on mine!

I guess I'm 25 miles or less from the mountains--I can see them if the air is clear. I've never gone up there to hike and I can't get my wife to take even an easy trail--she's terrified that she might see a snake or some wild animal. We've driven through the mountains a few times. Very different than the mountains in Tennessee, but beautiful nonetheless.

I search out your group. I don't know that Edna was being malevolent in any way, but I do think that sometimes miscommunications happen easily on line. I believe Jagoda was discussing that very thing in one of her recent posts.

Your wife wouldn't have to worry about that too much. Most trails are walked on a lot and animals tend to stay away, except for the occasional deer, or elk. It's wonderful to get up in the mountains and enjoyt the fresh air and sunshine! I didn't know how to send you a link to the page so i sent you an invite to become friends on LinkedIn. The group is called Serious about writing. Maybe you can find it that way, otherwise when we become friends I can send you an invite that way.